7 October 1937

(no salutation)

No. 41(F) SQUADRON,

ROYAL AIR FORCE,

CATTERICK,

YORKS.

TELEGRAMS, AERONAUTICS, CATTERICK.

TELEPHONE, OLD CATTERICK 53

Dearest Mother:

The more I think of coming home, the better I like the idea. It would be worth a lot to me just to see you again, I can assure you. I have been working late nights trying to figure how I possibly can manage, even with your generous gift which would be nice if I came.

I think there would be a good possibility to leave England the first week in January. I hope you wouldn't mind me not being home for Christmas as much asä I do, but I think it would be best under the circumstances. The whole trip would cost me about #350. I figure that, less your $150.00. I would need about $100 above railway, etc. for expenses. So I am going to try and amass $200 or £40. Whether or not I can in the time is to be seen, but I shall certainly try.

I would like to see Uncle Ross, too, on my way west. If I could save all above my mess bill, everything would be fine, but the unexpected always turns up, such as boots, wear and tear on uniforms, etc., as you only know, but here's hoping.

In England I always get half rail fare, but with such excursion rates on in Canada I couldn't do better even if they had such a system.

I think I can get forty-six consecutive days with a lot of wangling, which will certainly be nice. If course I wouldn't expect Ronny to know me, but I think we shall get on, but not if he calls me Bull.

My mouth waters when I think of your cakes, pies, etc. I practically live on sheep and Yorkshire pudding here. P.S. Only a slight exaggeration, but I am down on English food anyway. Although the variety is astounding.

Another thing I shall insist on is two-bits to see a flick each Saturday, otherwise I'll stay at home and sulk. Hah! Hah!

I now am a rather confirmed pipe smoker, so you'll have to put up with that also, and no back chat. On top of all that, I eat huge meals and would probably eat you out of house and home. Oh! for a good cup of coffee!

I should prefer Canada in the summer time, but I'm afraid the Air Ministry would smile at such an attempt. Anyway, I like flying in summer as well as any time.

Did I tell you how Matheson shocked the R/T staff today? "Hey, Martyn, are you receiving me," instead of "Hello Blue 6. Blue 5 calling. Are you receiving me - over." (As laid down in RR and ACI, paragraphs X to Y, etc.

Did he get a raspberry.

Love Bill